Secondary education in Vancouver, British Columbia 2025

Vancouver's private educational establishments are known for their high-quality learning experiences, offering key benefits:

• Small Class Sizes: Limited student numbers per class enhance teaching effectiveness and allow for tailored attention.

• Accommodation Choices: International learners often select between host family stays or spacious on-campus living, promoting a unified community where diverse backgrounds converge for education and life.

• Superior Facilities and Academic Standards: These institutions pride themselves on advanced infrastructures, including swimming pools and hockey arenas, and employ seasoned educators delivering comprehensive curricula.

• Prestige and Future Prospects: Alumni of Vancouver's elite private establishments are favorably positioned for entry into prominent universities in Canada and abroad.

Anna Parkhomenko

Ridley College Admission Manager

When should you start the Canadian school application process? What should applicants prepare for?

Typically, Canadian boarding schools accept applications all year round - as long as there are places. However, I advise you to start the process in February-March - this way you will have enough time to prepare (including for visa issues), and you are more likely to find a free place on the desired course.

Admission requirements may vary as schools set them independently. However, among the universal requirements, one can note the report cards, recommendations, certificates of the level of the English language. Some schools continue to use entrance tests, but in recent years, most have switched to interviews: this provides a more holistic, personalized approach.

The cost of education in Vancouver's private boarding schools varies widely, ranging from 12,000 CAD to 70,000 CAD per academic year. Additional expenses include accommodation, typically around 11,000 CAD annually.

When selecting a school, consider the following:

• The school's prestige within Vancouver.

• Accommodation options during the study period.

• Student meal plans, usually offering three meals a day.

• Registration fees for admission applications.

• Costs for textbooks and school uniforms.

• Extracurricular activities and cultural programs.

Private boarding schools in Vancouver provide comfortable and well-equipped residences for students. Rooms, often shared between 1-2 students, come with all necessary amenities for both living and studying. Additionally, school staff reside in these residences, ensuring student safety and offering assistance with any academic or domestic needs.

Rankings and Overview of Educational Establishments in Vancouver

For an exhaustive overview of Vancouver's educational landscape, including secondary and middle institutions, and their rankings, consulting current educational resources is recommended. These resources provide detailed information, aiding in making an informed decision about the optimal learning environment for your requirements.

• York House
• Little Flower Academy
• Crofton House
• West Point Grey
• St. George’s
• St. John’s
• Vancouver College
• University Hill
• Lord Byng
• King David.

- Educational institutions with excellent reputations and international recognition,
- High-quality education — one of the main reasons students choose to attend schools in Vancouver. They are well-equipped with modern technologies, and experienced teachers with advanced degrees make them ideal places for learning,
- Excellent climate — Vancouver is one of the best places in Canada to enjoy the weather,
- Stunning nature — students can participate in various outdoor sports during their free time,
- Top-notch healthcare — provided by both public and private institutions,
- International community — children can interact with and make friends from around the world,
- Additional opportunity to learn English — ESL (English as a Second Language) courses are available.

The grading system varies depending on the province or territory where the school is located. Vancouver schools have their own grading scale, which is as follows:

- A+ — 90-100 points,
- A — 85-89.99,
- A- — 80-84.99,
- B+ — 76-79.99,
- B — 72-75.99,
- B- — 68-71.99,
- C+ — 64-67.99,
- C — 60-63.99,
- C- — 55-59.99,
- D — 50-54.99,
- I (temporary) or F (permanent) — 0–49.99 points.

The best private schools in Vancouver accept children from ages 3 to 18 and offer a wide range of academic programs:

- Canadian (approved by the BC Dogwood province),
- French,
- American,
- British,
- International Baccalaureate (PYP/MYP/IB).

The curriculum of any school may also include "French immersion" or advanced placement courses. When choosing a school, parents review the available programs based on the specific needs of their child. In each school, students study the standard 8 subjects from grades 1 to 12. Students following the Canadian curriculum who wish to earn credits for university can apply to take AP courses in grades 11-12 for certain subjects.

Students who choose French immersion can do so by enrolling in kindergarten or higher grades. Some schools offer an International Baccalaureate primary school program in French immersion format and teach French only up to grade 8. There are also schools that offer only traditional French education. Once enrolled in French immersion, students can choose a middle school that offers:

- A French program alongside the Canadian curriculum,
- A French program with AP courses,
- A Canadian curriculum taught in English.

If students complete French immersion up to grade 12, they are awarded bilingual status.

Most Vancouver schools offer different options for various age groups, so it is important to explore the available academic programs that suit the child’s needs. Some secondary schools only offer the Middle Years Program of the International Baccalaureate, while others only offer the IB Diploma (for ages 16-18, graduation year).

Secondary education in Vancouver for international students provides the opportunity to earn an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma. The International Baccalaureate offered by the Vancouver School Board is a two-year program (grades 11-12) with a recommended IB preparation in grade 10. The course focuses on developing the skills necessary for successful completion of secondary school and is open to students with strong academic performance, as well as strong reading and speaking skills.

Most institutions offer IB programs focused on languages, humanities, experimental sciences, and mathematics. In recognition of the program's comprehensive nature, additional graduation credits are awarded for most IB courses. Diploma candidates are required to participate in extracurricular activities and community service.

International students can also obtain the British Columbia Graduation Diploma, which allows them to apply to colleges and universities in North America and many countries worldwide.

Vancouver's public and private schools offer students a wide variety of courses, including:

- Academic (AP),
- Advanced Placement,
- Honors courses,
- Visual and performing arts,
- Technology,
- Computer studies,
- Sports.

Several public schools in the city have collaborated to create specialized academies for students who want to focus on specific sports, sciences, or robotics. These academies are popular, open to all students, but operate on a fee-based system.

Secondary education in Vancouver for international students is enriched by a variety of extracurricular activities, offering opportunities to develop their abilities in many areas. Students can:

- Join clubs based on their interests,
- Gain volunteer and leadership experience,
- Participate in academic seminars,
- Attend various excursions.

Sports are very popular in Vancouver, and students have access to:

- Hockey,
- Soccer,
- Swimming,
- Running,
- Rugby.

All sports clubs in Metro Vancouver (the greater Vancouver area) regularly hold competitions and joint sports events, with daily evening training sessions and matches on weekends.

Vancouver secondary schools offer students elective programs in many non-sport areas, including:

- Business,
- Visual arts,
- Graphic arts,
- Choir,
- Orchestra,
- Drama,
- Physical education,
- Foreign languages.

To enroll a student in school, the following steps are necessary:

- Register at the Newcomer Welcome Centre,
- Complete the application form, which includes questions about the child, their personal information, and health details,
- Provide proof of the child's identity, proof of residence, proof of home address, and a copy of the immunization record as part of the completed application,
- Meet with a counselor to discuss previous schooling and career goals. Specialists will also help the child select school courses.

When registering at the chosen school, the following documents must be provided:

- Birth certificate/passport,
- Copies of report cards from the last 2 years,
- Resume,
- Teacher recommendations,
- Motivational letter,
- Guardian agreement: Minor children coming to Vancouver for studies without being accompanied by a parent or legal guardian must appoint a guardian. This requires notarized documents that authorize the guardian to act on behalf of the parents.

International and private schools in Vancouver have more admission requirements than public schools. Applicants must complete:

- An interview,
- An entrance exam,
- A standardized test.